How to look after your mental health at work

Mental health is one of the biggest issues faced in the workplace today and is a major cause of long-term absence from work. There is a growing awareness of the importance in promoting good mental health at work, that’s why we’ve shared a few tips to help you look after your mental health at work.

1. Ask for help

We can all sometimes feel overwhelmed when something at work doesn’t go to plan. If you feel like your workload is getting out of control take the time to talk to your manager to discuss ways to help manage this.

2. Take a break

A change of scene or pace is good for your mental health. Taking a few minutes can be enough to de-stress so pausing what you’re doing 5 minutes to make a cup of tea can make a great deal of difference. Also, make sure you are taking your designated lunch breaks, why not get a breath of fresh air at the same time to make you feel refreshed for the rest of your shift.

3. Get the work-life balance right

Getting the work-life balance right is essential in making sure you maintain good mental health.Try not to let your work life spill out into your personal life. Set clear boundaries so you’re not taking your work home with you at the end of the day.

4. Learn

Research shows that continued learning enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction. The practice of setting goals related to adult learning has strongly been associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

Why not take some time to think about what goals you would like to achieve in the next month or year to give yourself something to work towards.

5. Use your commute home to wind down from work

When you’ve had a stressful day at work, it can be hard not to think about it when you get home. Instead of reaching for the comfort food or a glass of your favourite wine as soon as you get in the door, try winding down before you arrive home. Read a book, listen to music or get off a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way. These may sound like small actions, but it can really help you to switch off after a tough day.

If you’re concerned about your mental health at work, it is important to speak to your manager or supervisor to get to talk about how you are feeling.